Resources / Research
BEAM analysis and outside research to help owners, buyers, and organizations put ownership decisions in context.
Outside studies describe their own findings. BEAM’s methodology explains our interpretation, assumptions, and the limits of our planning estimates.
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BEAM Collaborative
See how BEAM builds a regional planning scenario from business counts, a population allocation, and ownership and closure assumptions—and where the evidence still needs improvement.
Western Pennsylvania · Historical planning scenario
Read BEAM’s methodologyMcKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility
McKinsey examines how ownership transitions could affect U.S. businesses and communities through 2035, and where preparation, buyer access, financing and coordinated support could help. Its estimates are modeled national scenarios, not local forecasts or demonstrated BEAM outcomes.
United States · Modeled scenarios through 2035
Read at McKinseyU.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy
A statewide overview of Pennsylvania small businesses, employment, payroll, ownership and business dynamics. Useful background for understanding the employers that support local communities; its statewide counts do not directly measure Southwest Pennsylvania succession risk.
Pennsylvania · Employment and payroll table uses 2022 data
Read the SBA profile (PDF)Gallup · Jonathan Rothwell
Gallup finds important differences between owners who employ workers and those who do not. The research explores plans for selling, transferring, continuing or closing a business, offering practical context for starting an ownership-transition conversation.
United States · Self-reported plans, fall 2024 survey
Read at GallupPublication dates are shown separately from data periods where available. Outside research does not establish BEAM outcomes or imply endorsement of BEAM.
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